10825213

Component-based Digital Image Synchronization

PublishedNovember 3, 2020
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Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. In a digital medium environment for digital image synchronization and storage, a method implemented by a computing device, the method comprising: editing, by the computing device, a digital image document by an image editing application, the digital image document stored in non-persistent storage of the computing device and corresponding to a local instance of a digital image file stored in persistent storage of the computing device; generating, by the computing device, an indicator referencing a portion of the digital image document that has been edited within the non-persistent storage; receiving, by the computing device, an input to initiate storing of the digital image document; compressing, by the computing device in response to the input, the indicated portion of the digital image document into a component of a plurality of components of the digital image file; and forming, by the computing device, a communication as including the compressed component and as not including at least one other component of the plurality of components that does not correspond to the portion of the digital image document that has been edited, the communication configured to cause synchronization of the compressed component with a remotely stored instance of the digital image file.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image synchronization and storage in a computing environment. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of bandwidth and storage resources when synchronizing edited digital images, where entire files are often transmitted even when only small portions have been modified. The method involves editing a digital image document using an image editing application, where the document is stored in non-persistent memory (e.g., RAM) and corresponds to a locally stored digital image file in persistent storage (e.g., a hard drive). The system generates an indicator that references only the edited portion of the document. When a user initiates storage, the system compresses only the edited portion into a component of the digital image file. The system then forms a communication containing only this compressed component, excluding other unmodified components of the file. This communication is configured to synchronize the edited portion with a remotely stored instance of the image file, reducing data transfer and storage overhead by transmitting only the necessary changes. The approach optimizes synchronization efficiency by selectively updating only modified portions of the image file.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the communication does not cause synchronization of the at least one other component with the remotely stored instance of the digital image file.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing digital image files involves a computing device that communicates with a remote storage system to access a digital image file stored as an instance in the remote storage. The computing device includes a display for presenting the digital image file and a user interface for receiving user input. The system allows a user to select a portion of the digital image file displayed on the computing device and perform an operation on the selected portion, such as cropping, rotating, or applying filters. The operation is applied locally on the computing device without modifying the remotely stored instance of the digital image file. The system also allows the user to save the modified version of the digital image file locally on the computing device or to a different remote storage location, while the original instance remains unchanged in the original remote storage. The communication between the computing device and the remote storage system does not synchronize the locally modified version with the remotely stored instance, ensuring that the original file remains intact. This approach enables users to make temporary or experimental edits without altering the original file, providing flexibility in image editing workflows.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-persistent storage is a virtual memory mechanism.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing data storage in a computing environment addresses the challenge of efficiently handling temporary data while optimizing system performance. The invention provides a non-persistent storage mechanism that temporarily stores data without requiring long-term retention, reducing storage overhead and improving access speed. The non-persistent storage is implemented as a virtual memory mechanism, which dynamically allocates and deallocates memory resources based on system demands. This approach ensures that temporary data is stored in a way that minimizes physical storage usage while maintaining fast access times. The virtual memory mechanism may include features such as memory paging, swapping, or caching to manage data efficiently. The system may also include a controller that monitors storage usage and dynamically adjusts the allocation of virtual memory to optimize performance. By using virtual memory for non-persistent storage, the invention reduces the need for dedicated physical storage space, allowing the system to handle temporary data more efficiently while maintaining responsiveness. This solution is particularly useful in environments where temporary data is frequently generated and discarded, such as in real-time processing or caching applications.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein each portion is one of a layer, a channel, or a tile of the digital image document.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image processing, specifically methods for analyzing or modifying digital image documents. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and precise segmentation of digital images into distinct portions for further processing, such as editing, compression, or analysis. The invention provides a method for dividing a digital image document into portions, where each portion can be a layer, a channel, or a tile. Layers refer to separate, editable planes within an image, channels refer to individual color components (e.g., RGB or CMYK), and tiles refer to smaller, non-overlapping sections of the image. The method allows for selective processing of these portions, enabling tasks such as targeted edits, compression optimization, or feature extraction without affecting the entire image. By segmenting the image into these distinct portions, the invention improves computational efficiency and precision in digital image manipulation. The approach is particularly useful in applications requiring detailed control over image components, such as graphic design, medical imaging, or automated image analysis. The method ensures that each portion is processed independently, maintaining the integrity of the overall image while allowing for granular adjustments. This segmentation technique enhances flexibility and accuracy in digital image workflows.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the editing by an image editing application comprises: retrieving an instance of the digital image file; decompressing data associated with the instance of the digital image file; storing the decompressed data as the digital image document in the non-persistent storage; receiving a user input to edit the digital image document; and editing the decompressed data in accordance with the user input.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image editing systems, specifically methods for efficiently handling image files during editing to reduce storage and processing overhead. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of traditional image editing applications that fully decompress and store large image files in persistent storage, consuming significant memory and storage resources. The solution involves a streamlined process where an image editing application retrieves a digital image file, decompresses its data, and stores the decompressed data only in non-persistent storage (e.g., RAM) rather than persistent storage (e.g., a hard drive). This approach minimizes storage usage and speeds up editing operations. The method includes receiving a user input to edit the decompressed image data and applying those edits directly to the decompressed data in non-persistent storage. The decompressed data is not saved to persistent storage unless explicitly instructed, reducing unnecessary storage consumption. This technique is particularly useful for high-resolution or large-format images where storage and processing efficiency are critical. The invention ensures that only the necessary decompressed data is retained in memory, optimizing system performance during editing sessions.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the generating an indicator comprises: monitoring the non-persistent storage for changes in the digital image document; determining at least one change made to the digital image document; associating the at least one change with a portion of the digital image document; and generating an indicator referencing the portion.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital document management, specifically tracking changes in non-persistent storage. The problem addressed is the difficulty of monitoring and documenting modifications to digital image documents stored in temporary or non-persistent storage systems, where changes are not inherently tracked or recorded. The method involves continuously monitoring a non-persistent storage system for alterations to a digital image document. When a change is detected, the system identifies the specific modification made and associates it with the relevant portion of the document. An indicator is then generated, which references the modified section, allowing users to track and review changes without relying on persistent storage solutions. This approach ensures that even temporary documents retain a record of their modifications, improving traceability and collaboration in environments where documents are frequently edited but not permanently stored. The system may also include additional features such as timestamping changes, categorizing modifications by type, or integrating with other document management tools. By providing a clear reference to altered sections, this method enhances document version control and auditability in dynamic storage environments. The solution is particularly useful in collaborative workflows where multiple users may edit the same document in temporary storage, ensuring that all changes are documented and accessible.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising: communicating the indicator from the image editing application to a synchronization module of the at least one computing device; and determining that the portion of the digital image document referenced by the indicator is associated with the component of the digital image file, and wherein the forming is performed by the synchronization module.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image editing and synchronization systems, addressing the challenge of efficiently tracking and synchronizing edits made to digital image documents across multiple devices. The method involves detecting a user edit in an image editing application, where the edit modifies a portion of a digital image document. The system generates an indicator that references the edited portion and communicates this indicator to a synchronization module. The synchronization module determines that the edited portion is associated with a specific component of the digital image file, such as a layer or object, and then forms a synchronization package. This package includes the indicator and the modified portion, enabling the edited content to be synchronized across devices. The synchronization module ensures that edits are accurately propagated, maintaining consistency in the digital image file across different computing devices. The method improves collaboration and workflow efficiency by automating the synchronization process, reducing manual intervention and potential errors.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compressing comprises compressing each component of the plurality of components of the digital image file.

Plain English Translation

A method for compressing digital image files involves reducing the file size by compressing individual components of the image data. The technique addresses the challenge of efficiently storing or transmitting high-resolution images without significant loss of quality. The process begins by analyzing the digital image file to identify its constituent components, which may include color channels, metadata, or other data segments. Each component is then independently compressed using a suitable algorithm, such as lossless or lossy compression, to optimize storage or transmission efficiency. The compression may involve techniques like quantization, entropy coding, or transform-based methods tailored to the specific component type. By compressing each component separately, the method ensures that critical data remains intact while reducing overall file size. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring fast data transfer or limited storage capacity, such as cloud storage, digital photography, or real-time imaging systems. The method may also include post-compression validation to verify data integrity and ensure the compressed components can be accurately reconstructed.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising: storing, subsequent to the compressing, the digital image file within a persistent storage of the at least one computing device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image processing, specifically methods for compressing and storing digital image files on computing devices. The problem addressed is the efficient storage and management of digital images, which often consume significant memory and storage resources. The method involves compressing a digital image file using a compression algorithm to reduce its file size while maintaining acceptable image quality. The compression process may involve techniques such as lossy or lossless compression, depending on the desired balance between file size and quality. After compression, the digital image file is stored in a persistent storage system of the computing device, such as a hard drive, solid-state drive, or cloud storage. The persistent storage ensures that the compressed image remains accessible even after the computing device is powered off. The method may also include additional steps such as preprocessing the image before compression, selecting an appropriate compression algorithm based on image characteristics, or applying metadata to the compressed file for organization and retrieval. The overall goal is to optimize storage efficiency while preserving image usability.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of components of the digital image file is compressed separately from each other component of the plurality of components.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image file compression, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently compressing multi-component image files while maintaining data integrity. The method involves decomposing a digital image file into multiple distinct components, such as color channels, metadata, or other data segments. Each component is then compressed independently using separate compression algorithms or parameters tailored to its specific characteristics. This approach allows for optimized compression of each component, improving overall file size reduction without sacrificing quality. The method ensures that compression of one component does not adversely affect others, enabling selective decompression or editing of individual components without reprocessing the entire file. This technique is particularly useful in applications requiring high compression efficiency, such as medical imaging, satellite imagery, or multimedia storage, where different components may have varying compression needs. The independent compression of components also facilitates parallel processing, further enhancing performance in systems with multi-core architectures. The invention improves upon traditional compression methods that treat the entire image as a single entity, offering greater flexibility and efficiency in handling complex digital image files.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 8 , further comprising: associating, prior to the forming, the indicator with a compressed component of the plurality of compressed components.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data compression and storage systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and retrieving compressed data components. The method involves compressing a data set into multiple compressed components, where each component is a portion of the original data in a compressed format. Before forming a data structure that includes these compressed components, an indicator is associated with at least one of the compressed components. This indicator serves as a marker or identifier, allowing for selective access, retrieval, or processing of the associated compressed component within the data structure. The indicator may be used to track the component's position, priority, or other metadata, improving the efficiency of data handling in storage or transmission systems. The method ensures that the indicator is linked to the compressed component before the data structure is finalized, enabling streamlined operations such as partial decompression or targeted data recovery. This approach enhances the flexibility and performance of compressed data systems by providing structured access to individual components within a larger compressed dataset.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the associating is performed without decompressing the at least one component.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for efficiently managing compressed data components in a storage or processing system. The invention addresses the challenge of associating metadata or other information with compressed data components without requiring full decompression, which can be computationally expensive and time-consuming. The method involves associating metadata with at least one compressed data component while maintaining the component in its compressed state. This allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and processing of the data without the overhead of decompression. The system may include a storage device, a processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed, perform the method. The method may further include receiving the compressed data component, identifying metadata to be associated with it, and storing the metadata in a manner that links it to the compressed component without altering the compression state. This approach is particularly useful in systems where data is frequently accessed in compressed form, such as cloud storage, databases, or real-time processing applications. The invention improves efficiency by reducing the need for decompression during metadata operations, thereby conserving computational resources and time.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. In a digital medium environment for digital image synchronization and storage, at least one computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions that, responsive to execution by a processing system, cause the processing system to perform operations comprising: altering a local instance of a digital image file by an image editing application, the altering including: assigning a virtual memory reference to a portion of the digital image file; receiving an alteration to the portion of the digital image file; and assigning, responsive to the receiving, physical memory to the virtual memory reference; storing the altered image as a composite digital image file with a plurality of components; identifying at least one component that includes the altered portion of the digital image file based on the assigning the physical memory to the virtual memory reference; and forming a communication as including the identified component and as not including at least one other component of the plurality of components that does not correspond to the altered portion of the digital image document, the communication configured to cause synchronization of the identified component with a remotely stored instance of the digital image file.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image synchronization and storage systems, addressing the inefficiency of transmitting entire image files when only portions have been modified. The system optimizes data transfer by selectively synchronizing only the altered components of a digital image file, reducing bandwidth and storage requirements. The process begins with an image editing application modifying a local instance of a digital image file. During editing, a virtual memory reference is assigned to a specific portion of the file. When an alteration is made to that portion, physical memory is allocated to the virtual reference. The altered image is stored as a composite file composed of multiple components. The system then identifies which components contain the modified portion by tracking the physical memory assignments. A communication is generated that includes only the altered component, excluding unmodified components, to synchronize the changes with a remotely stored version of the file. This selective synchronization ensures that only necessary data is transmitted, improving efficiency in distributed storage and editing environments. The approach is particularly useful in collaborative editing scenarios where multiple users may be working on different parts of the same image file.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein the communication does not cause synchronization of the at least one other component with the remotely stored instance of the digital image file.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image file management systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently handling image files across multiple devices without unnecessary synchronization. The system involves a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable a device to communicate with a remote server to access a digital image file stored as an instance on the server. The communication is designed to retrieve the file without triggering synchronization with other components or devices that may also have access to the same file. This prevents automatic updates or changes to the file on other devices, ensuring that modifications or access on one device do not propagate to others. The system allows selective control over synchronization, enabling users to manage file consistency across devices based on their preferences or requirements. The invention also includes methods for determining whether synchronization should occur based on predefined criteria, such as user settings or file attributes, to optimize performance and reduce unnecessary data transfers. The overall goal is to provide a flexible and efficient way to manage digital image files in distributed environments while minimizing unwanted synchronization events.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein each component of the digital file corresponds to one of a layer, a channel, or a tile of a digital image document associated with the digital file.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital image processing, specifically to systems for managing and manipulating digital image documents. The problem addressed is the inefficient handling of complex digital image files, which often contain multiple layers, channels, or tiles that must be processed individually or in combination. The solution involves a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable a computing device to process a digital file by associating each component of the file with a specific structural element of a digital image document. These components can correspond to layers (e.g., editable image layers in software like Photoshop), channels (e.g., color channels such as RGB or alpha channels), or tiles (e.g., segmented portions of a high-resolution image). The system allows for selective manipulation of these components, improving efficiency in tasks such as editing, rendering, or compression. The instructions may also include functionality to generate or modify the digital file based on user input or predefined rules, ensuring compatibility with various image processing workflows. This approach optimizes storage and processing by treating each component as an independent yet interconnected part of the overall image structure.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein at least one component of the digital file corresponds to a nested image document.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing digital files, particularly those containing nested image documents, addresses the challenge of efficiently processing and storing complex file structures. The invention involves a computer-readable storage medium that organizes digital files into components, where at least one component corresponds to a nested image document. This nested image document is embedded within a parent file, allowing for hierarchical organization and efficient retrieval. The system ensures that the nested image document retains its integrity and accessibility while being part of a larger file structure. The storage medium may also include metadata associated with the nested image document, enabling advanced search and indexing capabilities. The invention improves file management by simplifying the handling of complex, multi-layered documents, reducing storage redundancy, and enhancing data retrieval efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring the integration of multiple image documents within a single file, such as in document management systems, digital archives, or collaborative editing platforms. The system ensures seamless access to nested content while maintaining the structural integrity of the parent file.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The at least one computer-readable storage medium of claim 13 , wherein at least one component of the digital file corresponds to one of a layer, a channel, or a tile of a nested image document.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to digital file processing, specifically for managing and manipulating nested image documents. The problem addressed is the efficient handling of complex image structures, such as those containing layers, channels, or tiles, which are often used in graphic design, photo editing, and other digital imaging applications. The invention provides a method for storing and processing digital files where at least one component of the file corresponds to a specific structural element of a nested image document, such as a layer, channel, or tile. This allows for precise and modular editing, where individual components can be independently accessed, modified, or extracted without affecting other parts of the document. The system includes a computer-readable storage medium that organizes these components in a way that maintains their hierarchical relationships while enabling efficient retrieval and manipulation. The invention also supports operations like merging, splitting, or reordering these components, which is particularly useful in applications requiring non-destructive editing or multi-layered image composition. By structuring the digital file to reflect the nested nature of the image document, the invention improves workflow efficiency and reduces computational overhead compared to traditional flat-file approaches.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. In a digital medium environment for digital image synchronization and storage, a system comprising: means for editing a digital image document by an image editing application, the digital image document stored in non-persistent storage and corresponding to a local instance of a digital image file stored in persistent storage of a computing device; means for generating an indicator referencing a portion of the digital image document that has been edited within the non-persistent storage of the computing device; means for receiving an input to initiate storing of the digital image document; means for compressing, in response to the input, the indicated portion of the digital image document into a component of a plurality of components of the digital image file; and means for forming a communication as including the compressed component and as not including at least one other component of the plurality of components that does not correspond to the portion of the digital image document that has been edited, the communication configured to cause synchronization of the compressed component with a remotely stored instance of the digital image file.

Plain English Translation

In digital image editing and synchronization systems, efficiently updating only modified portions of an image file during synchronization reduces bandwidth and storage overhead. This invention addresses the problem by selectively compressing and transmitting only the edited portions of a digital image document, rather than the entire file. The system operates in an environment where a digital image document is edited in non-persistent storage (e.g., RAM) while the original file remains in persistent storage (e.g., a hard drive). An indicator tracks which portions of the document have been modified. When a save or sync command is received, the system compresses only the edited portions into a component of the digital image file. The compressed component is then transmitted in a communication that excludes unmodified components, ensuring only the necessary data is synchronized with a remote storage instance. This selective compression and transmission minimizes data transfer and storage usage while maintaining synchronization accuracy. The system is particularly useful in cloud-based or collaborative editing environments where frequent updates are common.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the communication does not cause synchronization of the at least one other component with the remotely stored instance of the digital image file.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing digital image files includes a local device storing a digital image file and a remote server storing a corresponding instance of the file. The system allows communication between the local device and the remote server to update the digital image file without requiring synchronization of the local device with the remotely stored instance. This means the local device can modify the file independently, and changes are transmitted to the remote server without enforcing real-time or forced synchronization. The system ensures that updates are propagated while maintaining the autonomy of the local device, preventing unwanted synchronization that could overwrite local modifications. The communication mechanism is designed to handle updates efficiently, ensuring data consistency without disrupting the user's workflow. This approach is particularly useful in environments where local modifications must be preserved, and synchronization is either unnecessary or undesirable. The system may include additional components, such as a user interface for managing file updates and a conflict resolution mechanism to handle discrepancies between local and remote versions. The communication protocol ensures that updates are transmitted securely and reliably, even in scenarios with intermittent connectivity.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The system of claim 18 , wherein the non-persistent storage is a virtual memory mechanism.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing data storage in a computing environment addresses the challenge of efficiently handling temporary data without relying on persistent storage mechanisms. The system includes a non-persistent storage component that temporarily holds data, ensuring it is not retained after a system reboot or power cycle. This design prevents unnecessary storage consumption and improves system performance by avoiding the overhead of persistent storage operations. The non-persistent storage is implemented as a virtual memory mechanism, which dynamically allocates memory resources as needed, further optimizing system efficiency. The system also includes a data processing module that interacts with the non-persistent storage to manage temporary data operations, such as caching or buffering, without the risk of data persistence. This approach is particularly useful in environments where temporary data must be processed quickly and securely, such as in real-time applications or secure computing environments. By using virtual memory, the system ensures that temporary data is efficiently managed while minimizing the impact on system resources.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

November 3, 2020

Inventors

Russell Thomas Williams
Habib Khalfallah
Jan Stoeckmann
Alan Lee Erickson

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